Happy Friday Guys....I'm so excited about our "Meet The Floral and Event Designer" series....and stopping by today is the oh-so-sweet and talented, Sherry Donnelly of Gertie Mae's Floral Studio.....I adore Sherry and I love the name of her company, named after her two grandmothers.

Sherry's floral designs are all so beautiful and she's one busy lady!!...Gertie Mae's services Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina and Sherry tells me that Gertie Mae's loves destination weddings, so make certain you give her a call....recently, Sherry launch a new website and did a total rebranding with a new logo for Gertie Mae's...all so exciting...let's check out Sherry interview with the cafe...Enjoy!!

TBC: What’s a typical day for you?SD: Typical is a funny term as I am not sure there is such a thing in my field. I have recently changed my business focus from all service floral design to specializing in just weddings and events which will change my day to day schedule tremendously. It always includes multiple phone calls, consultations, writing proposals, meeting with brides, and choosing just the right stems for the esthtetics of the event.

TBC: What wedding trend would you like to see disappear?SD: I am certain this may cause some grumbling amongst my fellow designers, but I think the vintage/mason jar /”oodles of stuff décor” has become completely saturated. I do believe, just as in fashion, everything has its cycle and a more streamlined/ clean look is on the horizon.

TBC: Describe your client?SD: My client is particular about his/her style and loves to have floral designs that are out of the ordinary and not the average, everyday “hohum” flowers.

TBC: Where do you find inspiration?SD: Inspiration can come from the strangest of places, but the key is to just go with it and not question it…sometimes from a memory, a song, a piece of fabric… it just hits me and then the visual begins to develop in my mind. I have to see it which is different from some artists…once I can visualize it there is no stopping the flow.

TBC: Name one of your favorite “vendor” sources that you just can’t do without.

SD: love to go junking, thrifting, and antiquing, for interesting vessels and containers, as well asvisiting some regular auctions in my region. I would love to tell you about my favorite vendor but then my secret weapon of sorts wouldn’t be secret anymore! I do have the pleasure of working in a setting that is nestled on 10 acres of North Georgia pasture and woods. The wildflower and indigenous elements are always a favorite of mine to incorporate into my arrangements alongside the commercially grown flowers.

TBC: Describe your design style.

SD:I am not sure there is a name for it…I love to use a mix of textures and elements that maybe you wouldn’t think of putting together. If I could choose one or the other, I am mad for texture! My style is one of looseness and natural gathering, more than fixed or geometric. I am not school trained in my trade, but I think that can be a plus…not being tied to design parameters and requirements, lends itself to an unleashed creativity that becomes more playful and whimsical.

TBC: To date, what has been the highlight of your career?

SD: Oddly enough this interview is the highlight to date. I received your invitation to be featured while I was working a wedding in Charleston and I started to cry…my daughter Grace was working with me and asked if someone had passed away when she saw my tears. I told her no and explained that one of my very favorite blogs that I follow, specifically for the floral designer features, was inviting me to be interviewed. Hard work and perseverance does pay off and I thank you for the validation!

TBC: What advice would you give to upcoming floral designers?

SD:Most important is to be yourself, design in your own style and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing!

TBC:Who are a few of your favorite floral designers?

SD:I love Jane Packer and have always wanted to attend her classes and workshops in London. Being open to learning something new on a regular basis helps my work stay fresh and relevant. Another designer I love is Nicolei Bergmann. He is innovative and his designs are incredible. I look at his work and wonder how he thought of doing what he did!

TBC: When I’m designing, I love to light my candles and play “old school” music.Do you have a ritual that you like to do when designing?

SD: I have to admit I love to crank the music up and even shake it a little while I am working….I am telling my age with this, but loud 70’s /80’s disco and rock works best!

TBC:If you had to make a career change, what would you do?

SD:I would love to work in advertising, marketing, and public relations. Sometimes I get so many ideas running around in my head for new businesses, business names, and tag lines I can’t sleep. I love to write as well, so a career in journalism would be delightful!

SD:I would call my style “low-maintenance”. I have a “uniform” I usually wear when I work… a fitted black tee and a great pair of jeans…there is a section in my closet for just black tshirts.I love silver jewelry and have since before it was popular…lots of silver bangles…they have a wonderful sound as well as looking attractive. I wear just enough makeup to accent my features which makes me quick at “getting ready”.

My husband adores that! I would say I am a minimalist in fashion and on the home front…time is a contributing factor to that. Owning my own business tends to leave me without a lot of time to design for myself…I am like the cobbler whose children have no shoes…it is rare to see flowers in my home.

Just for fun:

TBC: Do you prefer tea or coffee?

SD: LOVE LOVE LOVE coffee!!

TBC: Do you prefer blogs or magazines?

SD: I like both blogs and magazines, but there is something timeless about a publication.

TBC: Do you prefer Grey or Colour?

SD: I love color and especially in concentrated groupings like in the garden.

Sherry, thank you so much for stopping by today...we love your work and we wishing you an AMAZING wedding season....guys, head over to Gertie Mae's Floral Studio beautiful blog site to see so much more of Sherry's lovely work...xoxo